Page 17 of Taming Trickster

"Trafficking, bro." Knowledge confirms with a grim nod. "Judging by what those fuckheads admitted, that kidnapping scheme with Rose definitely wasn't their first rodeo. And it won't be their last unless we do something about it."

Chance's jaw tightens grimly.

"Well, I think it's high time we take the fight to those Outlaw pricks properly then. Hit 'em where it really hurts." He glances at Knowledge.

As the two of them launch into strategic planning mode, I can't help but let my gaze drift back towards the bedroom, mind already focused on that sweet, innocent rose blossom I've vowed to protect at all costs.

The others might see her as a potential risk or weakness. But to me? Rose is just more motivation to keep fighting for the greater good. To eradicate scum like those trafficking bastards from our city once and for all.

If it means safeguarding her bright spirit and smile...then I'll gladly put my fists to good use against the Outlaws as many times as needed.

Epilogue - Rose

Five months later...

My hands are shaking so badly that I'm shocked the delicate lace veil draped over my upswept hair isn't quivering along with them.

I never thought I’d marry so young, but today is the day I've been simultaneously dreaming of and low-key dreading for months now—my wedding day.

The momentous occasion when I'll finally walk down that aisle and pledge myself eternally to Grant to officially become his wife. As if sensing the spiral of nerves threatening to overwhelm me, Holly leans in close, making a few deft adjustments to the flowing skirt of my pristine white gown.

"You've got nothing to worry about, sweetie," she murmurs, "Trickster may act all big and tough out there, but we both know he's just an overgrown teddy bear when it comes to you."

From her perch atop a battered old make-up table, Sophie snorts indelicately, rolling her eyes.

"She's right, you know. My dumbass brother is basically a pile of mush underneath that surly biker exterior these days." She pins me with an appraising look. "Trust me, Rose - he'd have to be out of his goddamn mind to let a catch like you slip through his fingers now."

A wobbly smile tugs at my lips as I smooth a hand over the gentle swell of my abdomen, my son's first home for the past three months.

"I know you're both right. He loves me, and I love him more than I ever thought possible." I hesitate, giving voice to the one lingering doubt that's been swirling through my mind lately. "I just...I can't shake the fear that one day, he'll wake up and realize he could do so much better than a boring little nobody like me. You know?"

Holly's expression turns stern for a beat before melting into fond exasperation.

"Rosie, Rosie, Rosie...when are you gonna get it through that pretty head of yours? You're not just some forgettable nobody - you're the woman who swooped into his life and changed everything for the better!"

"Holly is right," Sophie chimes in, surprising me with the unexpected sincerity in her tone. "You managed to tame my wild-ass brother's heart - something I never thought I'd see. Trust me, the big lug is probably pacing out there and freaking out just as much as you right now, even if he'll never admit it."

I can't help but chuckle at the mental image that conjures - Grant, that hulking, feared outlaw biker, a nervous wreck behind that trademark scowl and swagger.

"Well, in that case, you'd better take notes, Sophie," I tease, arching a challenging brow at the younger woman. "Since you'll be the next one walking down the aisle before too long."

Sophie pulls a revolted face, hazel eyes going comically wide.

"As if! Yeah, I've got a decent guy hanging around right now. But that doesn't mean I'm ready to go getting all tied down with rings and vows and whatnot. We’ve only been together for two months!" She shakes her head vehemently.

Holly throws up her hands in fond exasperation.

"You keep telling yourself that, little miss. Even the wildest of free birds likes to settle into a cozy nest once in a while..."

The three of us dissolve into laughter at that, the earlier tension finally dissipating. At least until a crisp rap of knuckles against the door breaks the moment.

"Ten minutes, ladies!" Someone calls out, "Get your asses in gear - it's showtime."

With a deep, calming breath, I straighten my shoulders and hold my head high as I make my way towards the door. This is it - time to take that life-altering stroll down the aisle toward the next incredible chapter of my story.

When I emerge into the main chapel area, my gaze instantly sweeps across the assembled crowd. They're an eclectic, rough-around-the-edges bunch for sure, but they're family all the same

The journey down the long aisle seems to stretch on for an eternity. Crimson rose petals line the path, and I can't resist reaching out to trail my fingertips over the velvety soft blooms as I go. Clusters of familiar, ruggedly handsome faces line the simple pews along the way - my new extended family here in Pine Valley.

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